Let’s begin by asking some questions, which may take some real soul-searching. When it comes to devoting your life to Christ, His Cause, and His Church, where are you on the spiritual scale? Are you on a rugged path, single-focused on the goal of reaching the next campsite, or are you casually strolling through the valley picking flowers, forgetting that you’re on an Ultimate Adventure? Beyond looking at your time and resources (as discussed in chapter 11), what do you dream about? What do you spend your time thinking about? What really excites you? How passionate are you about giving your purpose all you’ve got?
Many people approach their spiritual destiny with a laissez-faire attitude, casually drifting through life, giving minimal attention to those things that matter most. This isn’t something that most of us do intentionally, but we easily become bombarded with the cares and challenges of life. But if we aren’t careful, we may actually become derailed by life. Its pleasures and challenges (along with a little assistance from the devil) can keep us from ever accomplishing the reason we were created. The promise to make the change tomorrow is always pushed off for another day, creating a numbing effect to the true reality of what matters most … your purpose! This approach could cost you your life! Proverbs 29:18 says, “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves” (MSG). That is why Jesus reminded us, “Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God provisions … Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now” (MSG). Let me emphasize two key points: “your entire attention” and “right now.” They speak of giving God your entire focus with every moment you have. He has promised to take care of you and help you figure out the details of life. Your job is to give Him all you’ve got.
I recently had a few ask me to post the story about the paper clip study. You will find this amusing. The scary part of this story is that many live their lives like the paper clip; never fulfilling their intended purpose. Enjoy!
Lloyd’s Bank of London undertook a study to find out what happens to a typical batch of paper clips as they are released throughout the workforce. Out of their original batch of 100,000 paper clips they found that 3,916 were used to unplug tobacco pipes; 5,308 were used to clean under fingernails; 5,423 were used to pick teeth or scratch ears; 7,200 were used as hooks for belts, suspenders, or bras; 14,163 were snapped, broken, or otherwise twisted during phone conversations; 19,143 became mock card game chips; and approximately 25,000 became lost, swept up off the floor or thrown away. Only 20,000 of the original batch of paper clips were actually used to clip papers together. (1)
Interesting. Only a minority of these paper clips, each one created for a specific function, were ever used for their intended design! The overwhelming majority was used to fulfill some other false purpose. Such is the tragedy today with many who claim to follow Christ; attempts at fulfilling their intended purpose go awry. This is neither God’s will, nor His desire.
The Bible says that faith without works is dead being alone. Faith is not an intention, but an action. Faith can only be faith when you walk in that which you perceive to be God’s leading. So many today have dreams that never are fulfilled, simply because they don’t act upon that which God has placed on their heart. The best way to make a dream come true is to wake up.
I am so proud of my good friend Ed Schefter. He have up all and took the risk of a lifetime. He uprooted himself and family after 26 years at CBC and headed off to New York City to plant a church in one of the hardest areas of our country.
His faith with works is paying off. Take a look at this video and let it inspire you. Maybe its time to activate your dream. What are you waiting for? Step into your future today!
VIDEO – The Fruit of Faith: New York City Church
One of the most encouraging sites you will ever see is over 4,000 young people sold out to God, worshiping with all their hearts. If you have never been to a Generation Unleashed conference at City Bible Church, you may want to put it in your calendar for next year. Rumor has it that Chris Hill and Russell Evans from Planet Shakers will be there. This video will give you a little taste.
Generation Unleashed LIVE
Throughout history, mankind has left their mark on humanity. History books are filled with stories regarding leaders, politicians, generals, entertainers and musicians that have left an imprint on history and have greatly affected the outcome of humanity.
God built into the heart of every person the passion to make a mark on history. There is this inner drive in all of us to make our life count, to make a difference, and to feel significant. When we aren’t doing this we feel empty and unfulfilled. We have an internal mechanism that compels us.
Unfortunately, many today don’t understand the impact they really do make. They don’t consider where to direct their energies and spend most of their lives chasing their tails, filling their world with meaningless activities that bring no real personal fulfillment or eternal value. They end up living empty, meaningless lives.
God’s Word give us two incredible truths that if applied to our lives will assist us in making our lives count. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
You are God’s Masterpiece – There is no one like you. You are His prized possession. You are custom made and priceless. There is no one like you and never will be. You are special in His eyes. This is one of the greatest revelations you can possess.
You Were Created to do Good Works – God has a plan for your life. You have purpose. There are things God wants to do in you and through you. Don’t waste another day. Make your life count, get involved in the lives of those around you. Afterall, you are God’s Masterpiece
